Tennis fans are well served in Wokingham Borough

03 February 2017

Tennis fans will be well served in Wokingham Borough with new and improved courts opening at Cantley Park in late April / early May.

Wokingham Borough Council is working in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to significantly improve the current nine outdoor court tennis facilities with the addition of three new courts.

Modern floodlights, that avoid light pollution, will also be installed to six courts and a new clubhouse is being built thanks to funding by the borough council and LTA.

Work is already well underway and includes the installation of an electronic court access system linked to online court booking, which will provide easy access and affordable tennis for the community.

A tennis operator will manage the tennis court facilities, deliver an exciting and varied programme of tennis activities for all ages and abilities, drive the sale of the pay and play activities and membership sales all year round. The cost of a family membership will be £65 per year – for all family members to play (excluding floodlighting). People will be able to purchase refreshments from the new clubhouse.

The improvements are being funded by S106 developer contributions and the LTA.

The borough council has previously worked with the LTA to improve opportunities to play tennis in the Wokingham Borough and increase the number of people taking part in the sport. Last year Cantley Park hosted two Great British Tennis Weekends which included free tennis sessions and people also had the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Davis Cup as part of the National Trophy Tour organised by the LTA.

Cllr Angus Ross, executive member for environment, said: “We’re delighted to be able to improve the tennis facilities in Wokingham Borough in partnership once again with the Lawn Tennis Association. This investment means that we can provide excellent tennis facilities for all our residents in the Wokingham Borough. Tennis is a fantastic sport and is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to stay fit and healthy.

“We appreciate there may be some local concerns about these tennis facility improvements at Cantley Park. However I’d like to reassure you there is plenty of open space at Cantley Park for everyone to enjoy whether you are a walker, jogger or our walking your dog. The new facilities are located on a small area of the park.”

Leo Tutt, LTA regional tennis participation manager, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wokingham Borough Council on this very exciting community tennis project. The enhanced facilities will provide new year-round tennis playing opportunities for the whole community, encouraging more people to take up our sport.”

SCM Group is constructing the tennis pavilion and The Chiltern Group is building the tennis courts and flood lights.